DILG orders removal of officials’ names, images from gov’t projects

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) announced Saturday that it has ordered the strict nationwide enforcement of the Anti-Epal policy, directing all local government units and DILG offices to immediately remove the names, images, and likenesses of public officials from all government-funded projects, programs, activities, and properties.

Under DILG Memorandum Circular No. 2026-006, all provincial, city, municipal, and barangay officials, including DILG central, regional, and field offices and attached agencies, are required to ensure that no public official’s name, photo, logo, initials, color motif, slogan, or any identifying symbol appears on project signages, markers, tarpaulins, and similar materials funded by public money.

Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla stressed that government projects are paid for by the people and must never be used for personal promotion.

“Government programs are not personal billboards. These are funded by taxpayers and must reflect public service, not political credit grabbing.”

The Circular cites the 1987 Constitution’s principle that public office is a public trust, the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees, and Commission on Audit rules that classify such personalized displays as unnecessary expenses. It is further reinforced by the 2026 General Appropriations Act, which explicitly prohibits attaching officials’ names and images to government-funded projects.

All concerned officials and employees are directed to cause the immediate removal and correction of non-compliant materials. Heads of offices are accountable for full and prompt compliance, as well as for cascading the directive to all units under their supervision.

The DILG also reiterated the call of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to keep government projects free from political self-promotion and personality branding, and encouraged citizens to report violations of the Anti-Epal policy.

“Public funds are for public service. Not for personal publicity,” Remulla stressed.